The Italian sports press highlights the intensifying battle for Champions League spots in Serie A. Juventus and Milan secured crucial victories, strengthening their positions. Inter Milan continues its pursuit of a league and cup double, while Atalanta and Lazio prepare for their Coppa Italia semi-final second legs.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports on Milan and Juventus’s wins. Milan’s victory in Verona, with a decisive goal from Rabiot, places them second in the league and eight points clear of fifth place, bringing Champions League qualification closer. Rafael Leão’s substitution and subsequent remarks about being booed were noted.
Juventus also claimed a win against Bologna, with David and Thuram scoring. This victory reinforces their fourth-place standing, creating a five-point gap over fifth. Coach Spalletti expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress.
Inter Milan’s quest for a league and Coppa Italia double is a prominent theme. The team, under coach Chivu, aims to emulate Jose Mourinho’s achievement. They face Como in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg, having drawn the first match.
The paper also touches on Atalanta coach Gasperini’s demands for his future at Roma, including player transfers and coaching changes.
Corriere dello Sport focuses on Juventus’s “Lucio breaks away” performance against Bologna, securing a win and a five-point lead over Como and Roma in the Champions League race. David and Thuram were the scorers, with coach Spalletti praising the team’s form.
Milan’s narrow victory in Verona is also detailed, with Rabiot’s goal being the difference. The win moves them to second place, eight points ahead of fifth, making Champions League qualification appear likely. Leão’s assist and subsequent substitution, followed by his comment, are mentioned. Allegri dismissed speculation about coaching the national team.
The “Conte, the five days of Napoli” section discusses Napoli’s Champions League mission and their upcoming match against Cremonese, with potential changes to the lineup.
Inter’s objective of a double is highlighted, with the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como being a key fixture. The paper also notes the opening leg results for Atalanta and Lazio.
Finally, the paper briefly mentions Manchester City’s Premier League victory over Arsenal, influenced by a mistake from Gigio Donnarumma.
Tuttosport emphasizes Juventus’s strengthened position in the Champions League race following their win against Bologna, with goals from David and Thuram. The advantage over Como and Roma is now five points, and coach Spalletti expresses calm about the Scudetto race.
Milan’s second-place finish after beating Verona is reported, with Rabiot’s goal proving decisive. The paper also notes racist boos directed at Leão and whistles for Maignan. Allegri’s focus on his current role is stated.
The Premier League is reopened by Haaland’s Manchester City, who beat Arsenal despite a Donnarumma blunder. Bayern Munich’s 35th title in Germany is also mentioned.
Torino’s goalless draw is described as “limp,” with a protest from a fan supporting the “Cairo out” sentiment.
The paper concludes with Genoa reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals in Serie A and Pisa reaching the semi-finals in Serie B.
English Translation:
Today’s Papers: Champions League Race Heats Up, Inter’s Double Pursuit
La Gazzetta dello Sport
Champions League, here we are
Milan and Juve surge on. Face-to-face in San Siro on Sunday.
Rabiot was decisive in Verona. Milan is second and 8 points above fifth place. Leão was booed and substituted: ‘Always me’.
A beautiful performance. David and Thuram beat Bologna. Spalletti reinforces fourth place, 5 points above fifth: ‘On the right path’.
Inter seeing double
Mission Scudetto and Coppa Italia.
Chivu and the double with Inter, a feat only previously achieved by Mou. Semi-final against Fabregas’s Como tomorrow.
Gasp
What does he want from Roma?
In order to stay, he wants Ranieri to leave, then a super transfer window.
Corriere dello Sport
Lucio breaks away
Juve beat Bologna: +5 on Como and Roma.
4th place strengthened | Decisive snapshot in the Champions League race: Italiano beaten (2-0). David finds the advantage after two minutes, Thuram doubles in the second half. Holm hits the crossbar and Rowe hits the post. Spalletti flying: 16 points in six games.
Max, the Champions League muzzle
Milan win 1-0 in Verona: +8 above fifth place and qualification getting close.
Goal from Rabiot in the 13th minute, a narrow victory: The Rossoneri overtake Napoli into second place and extend their lead above Como and Roma. Assist from Leão, who is then substituted and laments: ‘Why always me?’. Allegri: ‘Me as CT? My head is only here’.
Conte, the five days of Napoli
Champions League mission.
8 points required to wrap up qualification. Possible turning point against Cremonese on Friday: The Fab Four haven’t convinced, in comes Alisson.
Chivu objective: Inter double
Coppa Italia semi-final.
The return leg against Como in San Siro tomorrow (0-0 in the first leg). Atalanta and Lazio start again from 2-2 at the Olimpico on Wednesday.
Gigio, howler and miracles: It’s a Guardiola party
City beat Arsenal 2-1 and reopen the Premier League: Haaland brings Pep to -3.
Tuttosport
Now Juve bite
Champions League even closer with David and Thuram.
The Canadian’s header after two minutes stuns Bologna, the goal from the Frenchman 12 minutes into the second half closes the game despite the post from Rowe shortly afterwards. The advantage over Como and Roma increases to five points. Spalletti: ‘Scudetto within a year? We’re calm’. Tributes to Manninger with Buffon and his other former teammates.
Milan, 2nd place and new storms
Rabiot goal, Napoli overtaken.
A hard-working victory in Verona: Racist boos to Leão, whistles at Maignan. Allegri: ‘Working to stay’. Orban, fight with a fan.
Haaland’s City reopens the Premier League
After the Donnarumma blunder.
Arsenal beaten, remain at +3, but Guardiola has played one game fewer. Germany: 35th title for Bayern with four games to spare.
Toro limp, Pupi’s ‘Cairo out’ armband
Depressing 0-0 in Cremona.
The legendary Pulci fires up the fans by donning a special captain’s armband.
Genoa, semi Serie A. Pisa, semi Serie B
Lecce-Fiorentina: Nerves.
